Anglicare Narrabri celebrated a move into new premises with a morning tea and formal opening at 78 Barwan Street on Wednesday, November 6.
Previously housed in the Barwan Street Healthwise premises, the Anglicare team proudly showcased a new era of independence with visiting Anglicare Senior Leadership and colleagues.
Anglicare New England North West provide a wide range of social services to people who are vulnerable, disadvantaged, or experiencing significant hardship.
The services include foster care, mental health services, counselling, aged care, emergency relief, and advocacy of domestic violence protection.
Many of these factors are on the rise, with average lifespans increasing, along with an increase in mental health and domestic violence cases, and support services are needed now more than ever.
As a network, Anglicare collaborate with governments, private sector organisations, and other community groups to achieve their mission of creating a more just and compassionate society.
Head of region for Anglicare New England North West, Claire Dunlop welcomed attendees and spoke of the invaluable work undertaken by the Narrabri group.
“My role is to oversee the work that is done by Anglicare in the region and to ensure that we bring compassion that transforms to the communities we work in, including Narrabri.
“I would like to acknowledge these amazing Anglicare staff, program manager Candy Malcolm, coordinator Alison Downes, and support workers Anna Stollznow and Joanne Gordan, who are our hands and feet in our foster care and mental health work here in Narrabri.
“Thank you to all of you for partnering with us in Narrabri to provide excellent services to those in need.
“I would also like to thank Narrabri Anglican Church for being avid partners in our work through prayer and friendship.”
Program manager Candice Malcolm was delighted with the organisation’s move, however expressed mixed emotions felt by the staff on leaving their former premises.
“Anglicare have been working in the Narrabri community for a number of years now and we strive to deliver exceptional services to the people we support.
“Our programs continue to expand, hence our need to expand our premises.
“Previously we had an office at Healthwise, and it is sad to move from our friends at Healthwise, but very exciting to have a venue of our own.”
